Our People

James P. Delphey

Firm Member

James P. Delphey is a shareholder of the firm whose practice emphasizes complex civil litigation, including corporate and business disputes, securities litigation, securities industry disputes and employment-related litigation.


Education Background

Mr. Delphey completed his undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, at Yale University in 1977, Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his law degree, cum laude, from Harvard University in 1980 where he taught Legal Methods from 1978-1979.

Representative Matters

  • Represent national and regional securities firms in litigation and arbitration involving claims by regulators, other securities firms, customers and employees, including discrimination and sexual harassment claims
  • Represent public and private corporations in defense of shareholder derivative actions and class action suits
  • Represent major national insurer in defense of significant, complex litigation involving claims of bad faith liability
  • Experienced in handling disputes involving First Amendment and other constitutional issues, trademark-related claims, employment discrimination claims, and contractual and business tort claims at both the trial and appellate level
  • Experienced in all forms of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration

Professional Affiliations & Admissions

  • State Bar of California
  • District of Columbia and Massachusetts Bars
  • San Diego County Bar Association
  • Judge Pro Tem, San Diego Superior Court
  • American Inns of Court, Louis M. Welsh San Diego Chapter (Barrister 1993-1995)

Publications & Speaking Engagements

  • Co-author (with Gerald F. Rath), “Developments in Broker-Customer Litigation,” 18 Review of Securities and Commodities Regulation 175 (1985)
  • Co-author (with Steven W. Hansen), “Recent Developments in Broker-Customer Litigation,” 21 Review of Securities and Commodities Regulation 1 (1988)
  • Moderator and Program Creator, Litigation Management Roundtable: “Making the Most of ADR - Since You’re Stuck with It Anyway” (ABA Committee on Corporate Counsel, Year 2000 Mid-Year Meeting)
  • Instructor, “Basic Federal Practice” (Continuing Education of the Bar, Fall 1992)
  • Judge, University of San Diego Law School Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition (1993)
  • Co-author (with Larry Kristinik), “Arbitration and Class Actions,” ABA Corporate Counsel Committee Newsletter (2004)

Professional Awards & Honors

  • Listed in Super Lawyers, San Diego (2010-2011) in areas of Business Litigation, Securities Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)